New build

[Charlie98]

Why?

It's got a great price point, that's for sure, but my thoughts are if you are going to endure the complexity of water cooling you might as well go big. I have a quad-core i5 OC'ed to 4.1GHz with a crappy 212+ and my temps are fully under control... I see no benefit going to water.

 

[Essence_of_War]

Benefits of water cool vs. air cool for a small rad are dubious. CLC tends to pull away a bit for 240mm or 280mm rads, but even then, similarly priced air coolers are often within striking distance (NH-D14, NH-U14S, etc). Below 240mm rad, you'll often do comparably well with a budget air cooler like the 212+ or the 212 EVO, esp if you're considering perf/dB.

 

[John Connor]

rad? What's that?

Edit- Think I'll get the 212 EVO.

 

[John Connor]

Where can I get this case in gray? They have three models: Gray, black and white. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119263

Also this case states Front Ports USB 3.0 x 2 (int.). Does int mean internal? I would like front USB 3.0.

 

[Essence_of_War]

rad? What's that?

'rad' is a radiator. They typically come in square sizes of 120mm or 140mm, and can be joined side-by-side into rectangles of 2x120mm=240mm or 2x140mm = 280mm. The 212 EVO or 212+ are both great picks.

Also this case states Front Ports USB 3.0 x 2 (int.). Does int mean internal? I would like front USB 3.0.

From the case description:

CONVENIENT HIDDEN FRONT PORTS
A quick sliding cover protects your ports against damage from travel and other household hazards. It includes 2 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports with audio jacks and a LED On/Off switch.

Picture of front Panel USB 3.0 Ports

So you've def got front panel USB 3.0.

 

[John Connor]

Oh, duh! I failed to see the two ports on top. Got another question. Where is the HDD activity light on that case? There is a light in front I guess, but not sure if that's it.

 

[lehtv]

Oh, duh! I failed to see the two ports on top. Got another question. Where is the HDD activity light on that case? There is a light in front I guess, but not sure if that's it.

According to Anandtech's review, "There's a single combination power/IDE LED at the top"

 

[John Connor]

Wow! Seems like that author isn't a fan of that case but chooses some big azz block instead. I looked up the HAF xB. Hell if I want that thing!

 

[John Connor]

Okay, this is the build I have so far. I have increased my budget a bit.

Case: Gray if I can find it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119263

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-899-_-Product

Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103099

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-711-_-Product

RAM: Not too sure if I should get 2133 or 2400. I want a CAS of 9 as I have read on the flight simulator link you want fast RAM and low CAS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231689

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231638

The Ripjaws are cheaper though, but that speed for the 2400 is impressive!

 

[Charlie98]

I looked up the HAF xB. Hell if I want that thing!

And you pick the Storm Scout?

 

[Essence_of_War]

Both of the RAM's you linked to are outside of voltage spec for Intel's Haswell.

How about these:
2x 4GB @ 1.5V 1866 9-10-9-28 for $77
OR
2x4GB @ 1.5 1866 9-10-9-27 for $78

Or if you want 2x8 GB:
2x8GB @ 1.5V 1866 9-10-9-27 for $145

 

[John Connor]

The compatible RAM in the motherboard I selected uses 1.5 and 1.65v. ????

Take this one for example which is listed in the compatible list. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=AX3U2400W4G11-DMV-_-20-211-775-_-Product

http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z97x-gaming3.pdf

 

[Essence_of_War]

1.5v is the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard. There is no reason to exceed 1.5V out of the box if you can afford it.

If you want to OC your RAM, go ahead and do that later, but get a decent set that is going to work within spec first. There are no guarantees that a factory overvolted 1.6/1.65V stick will be stable at in-spec voltages (<=1.5V).

I like Blain's guide:

If I were shopping for the highest quality memory I could afford, I would use the following parameters as a guide...

* DDR3 rated at 1.5v or lower
* DDR3 rated at the lowest CAS I could afford
* DDR3 rated at the highest clock speed I could afford
* Limit the scope of my purchease to G.Skill, Mushkin, Corsair XMS or Crucial (non-Ballistix)

While not wavering on the voltage point, I would balance the other issues with my budget.

Althought I don't necessarily agree with the limited scope of the distributors, certainly use them as a starting point.

 

[John Connor]

Ballistix was some good stuff...

 

[John Connor]

You simply can't find RAM @ 2400 speed at 1.5v. I did find this @ 2133 speed, CAS of 9 1.5V. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233671

I just listed a whole bunch of stuff on eBay to help fund my new computer. I have already made $75. I should make around $400 when it all sells. So I might be able to build this sooner. Hurry!

 

[mfenn]

I would definitely not go and spend double the standard rate for super fast RAM. You're talking differences in the low single-digit percentage points. I'd pick up that $77 G.Skill Ripjaws 1866 kit that Essence pointed out. Everything else in your build looks good though!

 

[John Connor]

So, seeing this thread I'm wondering if I should get the 4790K? http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=36409759#post36409759

 

[mfenn]

If you can get it without compromising on the other items and want to have some fun overclocking, then sure. It's not necessary to do what you want to do though.